Faunistic Study on Spiders (Araneae) in the Špraněk National Nature Reserve with Suggestion to Conservation Management of the Locality

Abstract

Spiders (Araneae) are a classic indicator taxon for evaluating the health of natural environments. Here, spiders from the forest ecosystems in Špraněk National Nature Reserve (Olomoucký Region) were investigated. A total of 1195 specimens were collected by pitfall traps, individual collection, sweeping herb vegetation, beating shrubs and trees, and shifting leaf litters. Currently, 126 species from 23 families from April to October 2013 were recorded. The species diversity in the Špraněk area is rather high, representing approximately 14 % of Czech araneofauna. The most abundant species were Pardosa alacris and Xerolycosa nemoralis from the family Lycosidae. Of the identified species, 15 species were found listed in the Red List of Threatened Species in the Czech Republic (EN - 1 species, VU - 5 species, LC - 9 species). Several findings represent the northernmost occurrences of rare thermophilic spiders in Moravia and even the Czech Republic. In addition, the author proposed management methods of the locality and suggests management efforts which can improve conditions for biodiversity within the studied area.